HEALTH CARE: LGBT health-coverage needs recognized
Scott Fearing, director of the Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley, says that the Obama administration has consistently included LGBT health issues in the national health care discussion.
Even if you're a healthy lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender person, finding affordable health insurance can be frustrating. The Obama administration has tried to make it easier, however, for the LGBT community to find coverage through the Affordable Care Act.
The US Health and Human Services Department recently updated its main web site to include insurance information aimed at the LGBT community, such as plans for same-sex domestic partners. The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force hailed the development, saying on its web site that "finding domestic partner health insurance coverage just got easier."
Though the update recognizes the often special health insurance needs of LGBT people, the web site requires some patience to navigate. And the costs of the available insurance plans might still be unaffordable for many LGBT consumers.
To find the plans, go to
www.healthcare.gov and click the blue "Find Insurance Options" tab at the top left corner, and then input the necessary information: ZIP code, age, and medical needs. Scroll nearly to the bottom and click "same-sex" or "domestic partner" to help narrow the search.
The LGBT community, according to several studies, is an underinsured population. Many are employed in low-paying or part-time positions that don't offer health care coverage, says Scott Fearing, director of the Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley. And the inability for LGBT couples to marry in most states also prevents many people from having access to insurance, he says, since not all companies offer domestic partner benefits.